Celebrating Sensitivity and Neurodivergence: A Personal Reflection on Thriving Authentically
As co-founder and Chief Engagement Officer of the World Taste & Smell Association, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with some of the most brilliant minds shaping how we experience the world through our senses. In our upcoming first episode of Stephanie and my new podcast series, The World Of Taste & Smell, I had the honor of speaking with Rachel Radway, whose insights on sensitivity and neurodivergence deeply resonated with me on both a personal and professional level.
Rachel is not only an author and certified leadership coach but also a trailblazer in redefining what it means to be “wired differently.” Her upcoming book, Perceptive: Owning Your Power When You’re Wired Differently, explores the gifts, strengths, and challenges faced by highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Through her words, I felt a profound reminder of how our unique wiring can become a superpower when embraced with understanding and care.
Sensitivity as Strength
Rachel shared her personal journey of recognizing her sensitivity and navigating her ADHD diagnosis. She reframed what society often sees as limitations into profound strengths—creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking, to name a few. It’s a perspective I wholeheartedly share: when we honor these traits, we unlock untapped potential, not only for ourselves but for the world around us.
One thing that struck me during our conversation was Rachel’s emphasis on the importance of creating environments that support neurodivergent individuals. Whether through sensory-friendly tools like noise-cancelling headphones or scents that calm the mind, the right accommodations can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Building Inclusive Spaces
As Rachel pointed out, creating inclusive workplaces is not just about meeting basic needs—it’s about fostering spaces where everyone, regardless of their wiring, can thrive. Flexibility, private spaces, and sensory accommodations are not luxuries; they’re essentials that benefit both individuals and organizations.
We also touched on the power of sensory connection. For instance, Rachel shared how a particular scent brought back memories of her grandmother, a vivid example of how taste and smell connect us to our emotions and each other. It reminded me of why I co-founded WTSA: to celebrate the profound impact of our senses and explore ways to use them to build bridges between people.
The Role of Sensory Science
Our discussion also ventured into the science of taste and smell, exploring how sensory distortions can serve as early indicators for conditions like autism. It’s an area ripe for research, and at WTSA, we’re deeply committed to advancing understanding in this field. By studying these connections, we can create better tools and strategies to support neurodivergent individuals from an early age.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Rachel’s work, particularly her book Perceptive, is a reminder to celebrate what makes us different. Sensitivity isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength that can redefine how we lead, work, and connect. Her passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals aligns so beautifully with the mission of The World of Taste & Smell: to explore how our sensory experiences shape our lives and to inspire change through understanding and innovation.
I hope you’ll take the time to listen to this episode and support Rachel on her book, not only for Rachel’s wisdom but for the insights that might resonate with your own journey.
Would you like to see more content like this? Drop me a note—I’d love to hear from you.
Happy New Year,
Co-Founder & Chief Engagement Officer, World Taste & Smell Association
Co-Host, The World of Taste & Smell
